WO2022189210A1

WO2022189210A1 - Connection arrangement

Info

Publication number: WO2022189210A1
Application number: PCT/EP2022/055137
Authority: WO
Inventors: Martin Deussen; Michael Klein; Michael ORTMÜLLER; Andreas Schoch
Original assignee: Elkamet Kunststofftechnik Gmbh
Priority date: 2021-03-10
Filing date: 2022-03-01
Publication date: 2022-09-15
Also published as: DE102021105753A1; EP4244491A1; US20230213121A1; US11746931B2

Abstract

The invention relates to a connection arrangement (10) having a first assembly (12) and having a second assembly (14), wherein an elastically deformable locking element (42) is arranged on the first assembly and serves to releasably lock the first assembly and the second assembly, which locking element (42), during a mounting of the two assemblies, deforms into a mounting position and, after completion of the mounting process, forms an undercut which counteracts a detachment of the two assemblies, wherein the first assembly has a stop which is movable between an operative position, which supports and maintains the undercut of the locking element and in which the locking element bears on the stop and/or in which the locking element is deformable onto the stop, and a detachment position, in which the stop, in relation to the operative position, is spaced farther apart from the locking element, and in which the locking element is deformable into a detachment position for the detachment of the two assemblies.

Description

Title : Connection arrangement

description

The invention relates to a connection arrangement with a first assembly and a second assembly, with an elastically deformable latching element being arranged on the first assembly, which is used for the detachable latching of the first assembly and the second assembly and which, during assembly of the two assemblies in deforms an assembly position and forms an undercut after assembly is complete, which counteracts disassembly of the two assemblies.

Such connection arrangements are also known as snap-in connections. By appropriate design of the locking element (e.g. softer or harder) lower or higher holding forces can be implemented as required, which hold the two assemblies together in the mounted state of the connection arrangement. However, higher holding forces correspond to correspondingly high disassembly forces and can be associated with the risk that the latching element will be damaged during disassembly.

Proceeding from a connection arrangement of the type mentioned at the outset, the object of the present invention is to be able to combine high holding forces with low dismantling forces while retaining the fundamental advantages of a repeatably detachable latching connection.

In the case of a connection arrangement of the type mentioned at the outset, this object is achieved in that the first subassembly has a stop which can be moved between an active position which supports the maintenance of the undercut of the latching element and in which the latching element bears against the stop and/or in which the latching element can be deformed towards the stop, and a dismantling position in which the stop is arranged at a greater distance from the locking element relative to the active position and in which the locking element can be deformed into a dismantling position for dismantling the two assemblies.

The stop of the first assembly can assume two defined positions relative to the latching element. In an operative position, the stop serves as a support element, which stabilizes the latching element, which can thus exert high holding forces. In the dismantling position, the stop is parallel in relation to the active position and preferably in one direction to an assembly axis or assembly plane of the connection arrangement, which will be explained in more detail below, is arranged further away from the latching element, so that a free space is provided. This free space makes it possible for the latching element—essentially unhindered by the stop—to deform into its dismantling position, which enables the two assemblies to be dismantled with low dismantling forces.

It goes without saying that the said movement of the stop relates to a movement relative to the latching element. Accordingly, a transfer of the stop from the active position to the dismantling position is associated with the fact that (relative to absolute, stationary spatial coordinates) either only the stop is moved or that only the locking element is moved or that both the stop and the locking element are moved.

Said movements preferably take place along an in particular straight assembly axis or along an assembly plane along which the first assembly and the second assembly are transferred from a dismantled state to the assembled state and along which the two assemblies are removed from one another again during disassembly.

The latching element and the stop are preferably fixed relative to one another in the operative position and in the dismantling position. Here, the latching element and the stop are held on the first assembly, or only one of the two components is held on the first assembly while on the other an actuating force is exerted on the two components, which fixes this component in a defined position.

It is preferred if the first subassembly has a stop carrier on which the stop is arranged and a latching element carrier on which the latching element is arranged, and if the latching element carrier and the stop carrier are connected so that they can move relative to one another via a bearing area.

It is possible for the latching element and the latching element carrier to be connected to one another, in particular by a positive and/or material connection. The locking element and the locking element carrier can be produced as an assembly in an injection molding process, in particular as a two-component assembly in a 2K injection molding process.

The storage area preferably defines a

Relative movement axis or a relative movement plane, along which the stop carrier and the locking element carrier are movable relative to each other. This axis of relative movement or this plane of relative movement preferably corresponds to the assembly axis or the assembly plane along which the two assemblies are joined together during assembly and removed from one another during disassembly.

It is preferred if the bearing area has a screw thread and/or a linear guide. Both the screw thread and the linear guide enable the stop support and the locking element support to be guided in a direction transverse to a mounting axis or mounting plane of the connection arrangement. A screw thread has in addition the advantage that the stop support and the locking element support are fixed relative to one another in any desired intermediate position along a relative movement range, i.e. between the active position and the dismantling position of the stop, without the exertion of an actuating force being necessary for this.

The stop can be formed by a stop surface of the stop support, or the stop is provided by a component that is separate from the stop support. Irrespective of this, it is preferred if the stop support, the stop and the locking element support are made of a solid material, for example plastic or metal, and if only the locking element is made of an elastically deformable material, in particular an elastomer.

In a preferred embodiment, the first assembly has a spring which acts on the stop support and/or the latching element support, so that the stop is urged into the operative position. This enables a preferred relative position to be defined between the stop carrier and the latching element carrier, with the spring having the additional advantage of supporting the holding forces of the latching element in the assembled state of the connection arrangement. For disassembly of the two assemblies, however, only the force exerted by the spring has to be overcome, so that the stop can assume its disassembly position, which in turn enables the latching element to be deformed unhindered by the stop in its disassembled position. A preferred embodiment provides that the first assembly has an actuating device with which the stop can be transferred into the dismantling position and preferably fixed in the dismantling position. The actuating device enables the stop to be moved into the dismantling position in a controlled, controlled manner that is also independent of the orientation of the connection arrangement relative to the force of gravity. This transfer preferably takes place in a direction parallel to the mounting axis or mounting plane of the connection assembly. The actuating device also enables the stop to be fixed in the dismantling position.

The actuating device advantageously comprises a pressure bolt or threaded bolt and/or a pressure sleeve or threaded sleeve. A pressure bolt and a pressure sleeve have the advantage of particularly simple handling, with an actuating force being generated by a pressure force exerted on the bolt or on the sleeve. A threaded bolt and a threaded sleeve have the advantage that a relative position between the stop and the locking element is also fixed in intermediate positions.

To further simplify the handling of the connection arrangement, it is proposed that the stop support and/or the latching element support has or have at least one handling surface and/or at least one tool engagement surface.

A handling surface can be, for example, a corrugated surface, which allows easy handling, in particular twisting of the stop support and/or the Allows locking element carrier by hand. A tool gripping surface is preferably a gripping surface for a wrench or a screwdriver.

Furthermore, it is preferred if the second assembly has a contact surface for contacting the stop support or for contacting the latching element support. This makes it possible in a simple manner to define the position of the stop support or the locking element support in the assembled state of the connection arrangement, which in turn simplifies the definition of the relative position between the stop support and the locking element support.

It is possible that the aforesaid bearing surface is an integral, immovable part of the second assembly. However, it is also possible for the contact surface to be arranged movably on the second assembly group, in particular for the purpose of compensating for an assembly play between the two assemblies.

It is particularly preferred if the stop support or the latching element support is arranged on a pipe socket or is provided by a pipe socket. This enables a simple arrangement of a particularly ring-shaped latching element and/or a particularly ring-shaped stop, which extend in the circumferential direction around a mounting axis of the connection arrangement.

It is also preferred if one of the two assemblies has at least one connecting piece. This connecting piece can be connected in a simple manner to the other of the two assemblies, in particular by the Connecting piece based on an outside of the other module is installed (and dismantled) exclusively from the outside, without access to the area of an inside of the other module taking place or being required.

A connecting piece can preferably also form a cable bushing, for which an above-mentioned one-sided possibility of assembly (and dismantling) is also preferred.

In particular, one of the two assemblies has a container, for example a fluid container or a switch cabinet, with at least one opening for receiving a connecting piece or a coupling with at least one opening for receiving a connecting piece.

It is particularly preferred if the connecting piece has a fluid line, so that fluid can be introduced or discharged through the connecting piece, for example into the above-mentioned container or for example into the above-mentioned coupling.

The fluid line preferably extends along a mounting axis of the connection arrangement. Thus, fluid can be introduced from the connection piece, for example, into the container or, for example, into the coupling, with a fluid line axis with the mounting axis of the

Connection arrangement correlated, which supports intuitive assembly and disassembly of the connection arrangement. It is possible for the first subassembly and the second subassembly to be sealed off from one another by means of a sealing element. Such a sealing element can be provided separately or be formed by the latching element.

In a further preferred embodiment, the first assembly has a counter-holder for abutment on the second assembly, the counter-holder being movably arranged on the first assembly. This is particularly preferred when in the assembled state of

Connection arrangement both a locking element carrier and a stop carrier are spaced from the components of the second assembly. A bearing area with a screw thread and/or with a linear guide can be provided for the movable arrangement of the counter-holder on the first subassembly.

It is also preferred for handling the counterholder if it has at least one handling surface (for example a gripping surface) and/or at least one tool gripping surface (in particular for a wrench or screwdriver).

It is possible for the stop, in its operative position, to bear against a support surface of the first assembly that is adjacent to the locking element and/or against a section of the locking element (itself). The use of a support surface has the advantage that reaching the operative position can be felt particularly well, especially if the stop and the support surface are made of solid materials. The abutment of the stop on a section of the locking element has the advantage that particularly high holding forces can be generated, which in particular are continuously adjustable.

In a preferred basic principle of the connection arrangement, it is provided that the latching element is deformed during assembly of the two assemblies, starting from an undeformed resting state of the latching element into the mounting position, that the latching element—in the disassembled position of the stop—can be deformed starting from the undeformed resting state into the disassembled position is, and that the assembly position and the disassembly position, based on the undeformed state of rest, go hand in hand with oppositely directed deformations of the locking element.

Advantageous configurations are specified in the dependent claims and in the following description of preferred embodiments.

In the drawing shows:

1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a connection arrangement with a container and with a connecting piece, in an initial state before the connection arrangement is installed;

FIG. 2 shows the connection arrangement according to FIG. 1 in a perspective sectional view, in the initial state before assembly of the connection arrangement; Fig. 3 is a sectional side view of

Connection arrangement according to Figure 1, during a first assembly phase.

Fig. 4 is a sectional side view of

Connection arrangement according to Figure 1, during a second assembly phase.

Fig. 5 is a sectional side view of

Connection arrangement according to Figure 1, in an assembled state.

Fig. 6 is a sectional side view of

Connection arrangement according to Figure 1, in a first disassembly phase.

Fig. 7 is a sectional side view of

Connection arrangement according to Figure 1, in a second disassembly phase.

Fig. 8 is a sectional side view of

Connection arrangement according to Figure 1, in a third disassembly phase.

Fig. 9 is a sectional side view of

Connection arrangement according to Figure 1, in a dismantled state.

FIG. 9a shows a side view corresponding to FIG. 5 of a further embodiment of a connection arrangement; FIG. FIG. 9b shows a section designated IXb in FIG. 9a in an enlarged representation; FIG.

10 shows a perspective, sectional view of a further embodiment of a connection arrangement, which has an actuating device designed as a pressure bolt, in an assembled state;

FIG. 11 shows a sectional side view of the connection arrangement according to FIG. 10, during an assembly phase;

FIG. 12 shows a sectional side view of the connection arrangement according to FIG. 10, during a first disassembly phase;

Fig. 13 is a sectional side view of

Connection arrangement according to Figure 10, during a second disassembly phase.

14 shows a perspective, sectional view of a further embodiment of a connection arrangement which has an actuating device designed as a threaded bolt;

Fig. 15 is a sectional side view of

Connection arrangement according to Figure 14, during a first disassembly phase.

16 shows a perspective, sectional view of a further embodiment of a connection arrangement, whose stop rests against a latching element in its operative position, the connection arrangement being shown in a pre-assembly state.

FIG. 17 shows a sectional side view of the connection arrangement according to FIG. 16, in a final assembly state;

FIG. 18 shows a sectional side view of the connection arrangement according to FIG. 16, during a dismantling phase.

19 shows a perspective, sectional view of a further embodiment of a connection arrangement in the form of a linear arrangement, the construction and functioning of which corresponds to the connection arrangement according to FIGS. 10 to 13;

20 shows a perspective, sectional view of a further embodiment of a connection arrangement in the form of a linear arrangement, the construction and functioning of which corresponds to the connection arrangement according to FIGS. 14 and 15; and

21 shows a perspective, sectional view of a further embodiment of a connection arrangement in the form of a linear arrangement, the design and functioning of which corresponds to the connection arrangement according to FIGS. 16 to 18.

Figure 22 is a sectional side view of another

Embodiment of a connection arrangement with a Coupling and with a connecting piece, in an initial state before assembly of the connection arrangement;

FIG. 23 shows the connection arrangement according to FIG. 22 during an assembly phase;

FIG. 24 shows the connection arrangement according to FIG. 22, in a first assembly state;

FIG. 25 shows the connection arrangement according to FIG. 22, in a second assembly state;

FIG. 26 shows the connection arrangement according to FIG. 22, in a first dismantling phase;

FIG. 27 shows the connection arrangement according to FIG. 22, in a second disassembly phase;

28 shows a sectional side view of a further embodiment of a connection arrangement with a container and with a connecting piece, in a first assembly state;

FIG. 29 shows the connection arrangement according to FIG. 28, in a second assembly state; and

Figure 30 is a sectional side view of another

Embodiment of a connection arrangement with two connecting pieces and with a double clutch. An embodiment of a connection arrangement is denoted overall by the reference numeral 10 in the drawing. This comprises a first assembly 12 and a second assembly 14. The assemblies 12 and 14 can be joined together along a straight assembly axis 16 (compare FIGS. 1 to 5) and can be dismantled from one another (compare FIGS. 6 to 9).

The first assembly 12 is designed in the form of a connecting piece 20 . The second assembly 14 is in the form of a container 22 . The container 22 has a container wall 24 in which a peripherally closed opening 26 for receiving the connecting piece 20 is formed, compare Figures 1 and 2.

The first subassembly 12 has a pipe socket 28 which delimits a fluid line 30 which extends along the mounting axis 16 of the connection arrangement 10 .

The pipe socket 28 and the fluid line 30 extend between an insertion end 32 for introducing the connection socket 20 into the opening 26 of the container 22 and a distal end 34 which is used, for example, to connect a pipeline or a hose.

The pipe socket 28 has an annular stop support 36 with a stop 38, see also FIGS. 2 and 7, which is formed by an annular surface which extends in a plane perpendicular to the mounting axis 16. The stop 38 points in the direction of the distal end 34 of the pipe socket 28. Arranged adjacent to the stop carrier 36 is an annular latching element carrier 40 on which an annular latching element 42 , in particular in the form of an annular disk, is arranged. The latching element 42 is made from an elastomeric material.

The locking element carrier 40 is screwed to the pipe socket 28 via a bearing area 44 in the form of a screw thread 46 and is movably connected to it.

The first assembly 12 also includes a counter-holder 48, which is also ring-shaped and is mounted on a second bearing area 50 in the form of a screw thread 52 on the pipe socket 28 so that it can be screwed. The counter-holder has an annular pressure surface 54 facing the latching element 42 .

The latching element 42 has a section 56 protruding radially outwards from the latching element carrier 40 . A section 58 of the locking element 42 arranged radially on the inside is fixed to the locking element carrier 40 .

For handling and relative movement of the stop support 36, the latching element 42 and the counter-holder 48, the first subassembly 12 has at least a subset of the tool engagement surfaces mentioned below: The pipe socket 28 has a first tool engagement surface 60, which is assigned to the stop support 36. The latching element carrier 40 has a second tool engagement surface 62 which is associated with the latching element carrier 40 and the latching element 42 .

The counter-holder 48 has a third tool engagement surface 64, which alternatively or in addition to a handle or Handling surface 66 is provided, which is provided for example in the form of a corrugated surface.

In an initial state before the assembly of the connection arrangement 10, the assemblies 12 and 14 are arranged at a distance from one another and are aligned relative to one another along the assembly axis 16, compare Figures 1 and 2. In this initial state, it is preferred that the stop 38 assumes an operative position in which the stop 38 on the locking element 42, in particular on the portion 58 of the locking element 42, is present. This state can be brought about by screwing stop support 36 and locking element support 40 relative to one another until stop 38 comes into contact with locking element 42, in particular with section 58 of locking element 42.

In a preferred initial state, the counter-holder 48 or its pressing surface 54 is spaced far enough from the section 56 of the latching element 42 that this can be deformed unhindered by the counter-holder 48 into an assembly position in the course of a first assembly phase, compare Figure 3.

During a first assembly phase, the insertion end 32 of the pipe socket 28 is inserted into the opening 26 of the container wall 24, the opening 26 being dimensioned such that it—in an undeformed initial state of the locking element 42—is smaller than the section 56 of the locking element 42. During When the insertion end 32 is inserted into the opening 26, the section 56 of the latching element 42 comes into contact with the outside of the container wall 24 in the region of the edge of the opening 26 and is deformed into an assembly position, compare FIG. the latching element carrier 40 is also accommodated within the opening 26 .

By further insertion into the opening 26, the latching element 42 disengages from the opening 26 of the container wall 24 and elastically deforms back into a largely undeformed state of rest, see Figure 4. The latching element 42 and the pressing surface 54 of the counter-holder are in this assembly phase 48 are arranged on opposite sides of the container wall 24, but initially still spaced from the container wall 24.

By actuating the counter-holder 48, see FIG. 5, the latching element 42 and the pressing surface 54 of the counter-holder 48 are brought into contact with sides of the container wall 24 facing away from one another. For this purpose, the counter-holder 48 is screwed relative to the pipe socket 28 by means of the screw thread 52 in such a way that the counter-holder 48 is moved further in the direction of the locking element 42 .

The assembly state of the connection arrangement 10 is thus reached. In this case, the latching element carrier 40 is arranged at the level of the opening 26 in the container wall 24 and otherwise accommodated in a hollow-cylindrical space 68 of the counter-holder 48 . The latching element 42 rests sealingly against the stop 38 and on an inside of the container wall 24 and thus also forms a seal between the first assembly 12 and the second assembly 14, which allows fluid to escape from an interior space 70 of the container 22 into a space shown in FIG 5 designated by the reference numeral 71 area of the connection arrangement is prevented. To disassemble the connecting arrangement 10, the counter-holder 48 is first screwed relative to the pipe socket 28 in such a way that the pressing surface 54 is at a distance from the container wall 24, see FIG. However, a complete removal/pulling out of the first subassembly 12 from the container 22 would result in a very severe deformation and possibly even damage to the latching element 42 . This is the reason why very high holding forces are exerted by the latching element 42 in the assembled state of the connection arrangement (cf. FIG. 5).

In order to enable the dismantling of the first subassembly 12 with low dismantling forces, in a subsequent assembly step, see FIG. in relation to the previously described operative position assumes a disassembly position further apart, in which the stop 38 is arranged so far away from the section 56 of the latching element 42 that the latching element 42 can deform unhindered from the stop 38 into a disassembly position which the latching element 42 with deformation of its section 56 when the latching element 42 is forced through the opening 26 of the container wall 24 during the disassembly of the first assembly 12, compare Figure 8.

After the locking element 42 has completely overcome the opening 26 when the first assembly 12 is pulled back, it deforms back into its undeformed initial state, compare FIG. 9. The first assembly 12 is now separated from the second assembly 14. To reassemble the two assemblies 12 and 14, the latching element carrier 40 and the stop carrier 36 can be returned to a pre-assembly position, see FIG. 2, by rotating them relative to the assembly axis 16.

All assembly and disassembly processes described above are carried out exclusively by handling components of the first assembly 12 in the area 71 (see FIG. 5) of the connection arrangement 10, i.e. on the outside of the second assembly 14 and without access to the interior 70 of the second assembly 14 .

The connection arrangement 10 according to Figures 1 to 9 serves in particular to be able to conduct fluid between the distal end 34 of the pipe socket 28 of the first assembly 12 via the fluid line 30 into the interior 70 of the container, compare Figures 1, 2 and 5.

A connection arrangement 10 shown in FIGS. 9a and 9b has two special features that go beyond the connection arrangement 10 described above, which are also advantageous in and of themselves:

The latching element 42 and the latching element carrier 40 are materially connected to one another and are preferably produced as a two-component assembly 71 in a 2K injection molding process.

The counter-holder 48 has adjacent to the pressing surface 54 on a ring-shaped or segment-shaped projection 73 at the Assembling the assemblies 12 and 14 realizes a centering function by engaging in the opening 26 of the container wall 24.

A basic principle of the connection arrangements 10 according to Figures 1 to 9b is that the latching element 42 assumes an undeformed state in the dismantled state of the assemblies 12 and 14, that the latching element 42 is deformed during assembly (compare Figure 3) into an assembly position that the latching element 42 is deformed into a disassembly position during disassembly, compare Figure 8. In relation to the rest position, the assembly position (compare Figure 3) and the disassembly position (compare Figure 8) of the latching element 42 - in relation to the non-deformed rest state - are directed in opposite directions Deformations of the locking element 42 accompanied.

Another basic principle of the connection arrangements 10 is that the latching element 42 forms an undercut after the assembly of the connection arrangements 10 has been completed, i.e. in the assembled state of the connection arrangements 10, which counteracts dismantling of the two assemblies 12, 14, compare Figures 4, 5 and 9a (in this case, the container wall 24 adjacent to the opening 26 is arranged at the level of the section 56 of the latching element 42 in the undercut mentioned).

The basic principles explained above are also implemented in the exemplary embodiments described below.

For the following description of the exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 11 to 30, reference is also made to the above description of the exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 1 to 9b. To avoid repetition be primarily explains the special features of the respective exemplary embodiments, which have not yet been described above with reference to the exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 1 to 9b. Identical or functionally equivalent components bear identical reference symbols to the components described above.

The connection arrangement 10 according to FIGS. 10 to 13 comprises a second subassembly 14 which is designed, for example, in the form of a container 22 and has a container wall 24 which delimits an interior space 70 . An opening 26 is arranged in the container wall 24 and serves to enable the insertion end 32 of a first subassembly 12 to be assembled and disassembled along an assembly axis 16 .

On its outside, the second subassembly 14 has a contact surface 72 that preferably extends perpendicularly to the assembly axis 16 .

The first subassembly 12 comprises an actuating device, denoted overall by the reference numeral 74, with a pressure bolt 76 which is connected at the end, for example via a screw thread 78, to a stop support 36. The stop support 36 has a stop 38 extending in an annular plane, compare Figure 12.

The first subassembly 12 also includes a latching element carrier 40, which has a support surface 80 on an end facing the stop carrier 36, see Figure 12, which rests against the stop 38 when the stop 38 is in the active position, see Figure 10. The stop support 36 and the latching element support 40 can be moved relative to one another in a bearing area 44 which has a linear guide 81 in a direction parallel to the mounting axis 16 . The linear guide 81 can have a receptacle 82 for guiding a section 84, in particular a cylindrical section, which is guided in the receptacle 82, see Figure 12.

At its end facing away from the stop support 36, the latching element carrier 40 has a collar 86 which has a contact section 88 facing the second assembly 14, compare Figure 11, which can be brought into contact with the contact surface 72 of the second assembly 14, compare Figures 13 and 12.

The first assembly 12 also includes a spring 90 in the form of a compression spring, which is supported at one end on an end face 92 of the collar 86 and at the other end on a head 94 of the pressure pin 76. In the assembled state of

Connection arrangement 10, compare FIG. 10, the collar 86 of the locking element carrier 40 rests with the contact section 88 on the contact surface 72 of the second component 14. The spring 90 is supported with one end on the end face 92 of the collar 86 and presses the head 94 and thus the pressure bolt 76, based on the interior space 70, along the assembly axis 16 to the outside. In this way, the stop support 36 is pushed with its stop 38 into its operative position, in which the stop 38 bears against the support surface 80 of the locking element support 40 . The latching element 42 forms an undercut for a part of the container wall 24 adjacent to the opening 26. To assemble the connecting arrangement 10 according to FIG Opening 26 of the second component 14 introduced. The locking element 42 is deformed in the area of the opening 26 into its assembly position, compare Figure 11. After overcoming the limitation of the opening 26, the locking element 42 deforms back elastically, compare Figure 10. In this state, the arrangement adjacent to the locking element 42 prevents of the stop 38, a dismantling of the connection arrangement 10, i.e. the pulling out of the first subassembly 12 from the second subassembly 14 along the assembly axis 16.

To dismantle the connection arrangement 10 it is sufficient to exert pressure (for example by hand) on a handling surface 96 . The handling surface 96 is preferably an end face of the pressure bolt 76, in particular of the head 94 of the pressure bolt 76. A tool can also be used to exert the pressure mentioned, which is inserted into a tool application surface 62 (for example a

Hexagon socket surface ) is used. In any case, the pressure exerted on the actuating device 74 serves to displace the pressure bolt 76 further in the direction of the interior space 70 of the second assembly 14, compare Figures 10 and 12, so that the stop 38 moves further to the support surface 80 of the locking element carrier while compressing the spring 90 40 apart. This distance, cf. FIG. 12, serves to create a free space which enables the latching element 42 to be deformed unhindered by the stop 38 into a disassembly position, compare Figure 13.

As an alternative to the pressure bolt 76 described with reference to Figures 10 to 13, the actuating device 74 can also have a threaded bolt 96, compare the embodiment of a connection arrangement 10 according to Figures 14 and 15. The threaded bolt 96 and the stop support 36 of this connection arrangement 10 are connected by means of a screw thread 46 screwed together.

In addition, the stop support 36 and the locking element support 40 are guided relative to one another by means of a linear guide 81, namely in a direction parallel to the mounting axis 16. Preferably, a section 84 of the stop support 36 and a receptacle 82 of the locking element support 40 are relative to one another only along the mounting axis 16 slidably, but positively connected to each other as seen in the direction of rotation around the assembly axis 16, for example by the section 84 having an outer side that deviates from a cylindrical shape, for example a toothing which is designed to complement a toothing of the receptacle 82 pointing radially inwards.

To assemble the connection arrangement 10, the first subassembly 12 can be prepared such that the stop 38 of the stop support 36 is already in contact with a support surface 80 of the latching element support 40 before an insertion end 32 is inserted into the opening 26 of the second subassembly 14.

To disassemble the two assemblies 12 and 14, the threaded bolt 96 is actuated by turning the threaded bolt 96 is, for example using a tool engagement surface 62 of the head 94. The form fit between the sections 82 and 84, which is effective in the direction of rotation, prevents the stop support 36 from twisting, so that the threaded bolt 96 is unscrewed from the stop support 36, as a result of which the stop 38 is turned into a the support surface 80 is spent further spaced dismantling position. In this way, the latching element 42 can be deformed into a disassembly position in the manner described above, which enables the first assembly 12 to be disassembled from the second assembly 14 with low disassembly forces.

A component of an actuating device 74 that is functionally equivalent to the threaded bolt 96 is formed by the pipe socket 28 with the thread 46 in the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 1 to 9, see FIG

7.

For the rest, the structure and the mode of operation of the connection arrangement 10 according to FIGS. 14 and 15 corresponds to the structure and the mode of operation of the connection arrangement 10 according to FIGS. 10 to 13.

The connection arrangement 10 described below with reference to FIGS. 16 to 18 in turn corresponds, with the exception of the special features described below, to the connection arrangement 10 according to FIGS. 14 and 15. The connection arrangement 10 according to FIGS Configuration of the storage area 44 between the stop support 36 and the locking element carrier 40 and through the Type of interaction of the stop 38 with the locking element 42.

The bearing area 44 comprises a linear guide 81 with a receptacle 82, which is arranged on the stop carrier 36 and which accommodates a section 84 of the locking element carrier 40 so that it can be displaced along the mounting axis 16, but is positively locking with it in the direction of rotation about the mounting axis 16, see Figure 18. The stop 38 does not interact with a support surface 80 of the latching element carrier 40, but directly with a radially inner annular section 58 of the latching element 42, compare Figure 17.

A radially outer ring section 56 of the latching element 42 forms an undercut which prevents disassembly of the first assembly 12 from the second assembly 14, compare Figure 17.

In the operative position of the locking element 42, it is possible for the mutually facing reference surfaces 98 of the stop support 36 and 100 of the locking element support 40, compare Figure 18, to rest against one another, compare Figure 17.

To assemble the connection arrangement 10 according to Figures 16 to 18, the insertion end 32 of the first assembly 12 is inserted into the opening 26 of the second assembly 14, it being preferred that the reference surfaces 98 and 100 are initially spaced apart from one another, compare Figure 16. This enables the latching element 42 to be deformed back unimpeded by the stop 38, starting from an assembly position (compare, for example, FIG. 11) in an at least largely non-deformed state, see Figure 16.

By turning the threaded bolt 96 the stop support 36 is moved along the mounting axis 16 relative to the latching element support 40 until the stop 38 comes into contact with the section 58 of the latching element 42 . As a result, the section 56 of the latching element 42 is also moved and brought into contact with a side of the container wall 24 facing the interior space 70 . The assembly process is complete when reference surfaces 98 and 100 abut.

Starting from the assembly state shown in Figure 17, the two assemblies 12 and 14 are disassembled by turning the threaded bolt 96 in such a way that the stop support 36 is moved with its stop 38 away from the latching element 42, so that a free space is created that can be used during disassembly of the first assembly 12 can be used by the second assembly 14, compare analogously to Figure 13.

The connection arrangements 10 illustrated in FIGS. 19 to 21 have first subassemblies 12 and second subassemblies 14 which, when assembled together, each form a linear arrangement which extends along an axis of extent 102 in each case. The mounting axis 16 runs perpendicular to this, with the mounting axis 16 being part of a mounting plane 104 which is spanned by the mounting axis 16 and a vector 106 perpendicular thereto, which runs parallel to the extension axis 102 . Preferably, at least a subset of the following components of the first assembly 12 and the second assembly 14 extends along the axis of extension 102: stop support 36, stop 38, latching element carrier 40, latching element 42, container wall 24, opening 26.

The at least one actuating device 74 is preferably locally delimited as viewed along the axis of extension 102 .

The connection arrangements 10 according to FIGS. 19 to 21 preferably have two latching elements 42 which are provided separately from one another and each extend along a straight line and which are arranged on sides of the mounting plane 104 which face away from one another. These latching elements 42 each interact with a stop 38 which also extends parallel to the axis of extension 102 .

For the rest, the structure and the mode of operation of the connection arrangements 10 according to Figures 19 to 21 correspond to the structure and the mode of operation of the connection arrangement according to Figures 10 to 13 (to Figure 19), according to Figures 14 and 15 (to Figure 20) and according to Figures 16 to 18 (to figure 21).

A common feature of the connection arrangements 10 described above with reference to FIGS. In particular, the essential functions of the connection arrangement 10 are implemented in the first assembly 12; for the second assembly 14 it is sufficient to provide an opening 26 (which, for example, is closed on the peripheral side compare Figures 1 to 18, or is, for example, in the form of a groove or slot, compare Figures 19 to 21).

On the other hand, in the exemplary embodiments described below with reference to FIGS.

The first assembly 12 is preferably provided in the form of a clutch 108, see Figure 22.

The second assembly 14 extends between the insertion end 32 and a distal end 34 and preferably includes a fluid conduit 30 extending parallel to the mounting axis 16 .

The interior space 110 of the first subassembly 12 extends as far as an opening 112 viewed along the assembly axis 16. It is possible for the interior space 110 in the region of a section or end 114 of the first subassembly 12 facing away from the opening 112 to also be open. In the assembled state of the connection arrangement 10, compare Figure 24, a fluid line is made possible from the distal end 34 of the connecting piece 20 of the second assembly 14 through the fluid line 30 into the interior 110 and to the end 114 of the first assembly, with this end 114 of the first assembly 12 and to the distal end of the second assembly 14 can connect tubes, hoses or containers, not shown. The connecting piece 20 of the second assembly 14 has an insertion head 116 that widens conically starting from the insertion end 32 . This is followed by a snap-in element receptacle 118 that projects inwards radially. A contact surface 72 is arranged between the latching element receptacle 118 and the distal end 34 seen along the mounting axis 16 , which extends transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the mounting axis 16 and faces the first assembly group 12 .

The first assembly 12 comprises an annular stop support 36 with a central, preferably hollow-cylindrical passage 120 which is delimited at its end remote from the opening 112 by an annular stop 38 extending perpendicularly to the mounting axis 16 .

The stop support 36 is screwed to a latching element support 40 in a bearing area 44 which has a screw thread 46 .

The latching element carrier 40 has a wall 122 which points radially inwards and is, for example, hollow-cylindrical. In a section of the wall 122 adjacent to the stop 38 , an annular latching element 42 is fastened to the latching element carrier 40 . Here, a radially outer ring section 56 connected to the locking element carrier 40 and a radially inner ring section 58 are provided. The two sections 56 and 58 are connected to one another in one piece and together form an annular locking lip, which, starting from an undeformed resting state (compare Figure 22), moves into an assembly position (compare Figure 23) and can deform into a disassembly position (compare Figures 26 and 27).

To assemble the connecting arrangement 10 according to FIGS. 22 to 27, the insertion head 116 is inserted with the insertion end 32 first into the opening 112 of the stop support 36 until the insertion head 116 comes into contact with the section 58 of the latching element 42 and the latching element 42 is deformed into the assembly position , compare figure 23.

A further movement of the first subassembly 14 and the second subassembly 12 towards one another causes the latching element 42 to be arranged at the level of the latching element receptacle 118, see FIG. In this assembled state of the connection arrangement 10, the contact surface 72 of the second assembly 14 is in contact with a contact section 123 of the stop support 36, compare Figure 24.

The latching element 42 forms an undercut which counteracts a disassembly of the second assembly 14 (pulling the second assembly 14 out of the first assembly 12 along the assembly axis 16), compare Figure 25.

In the assembled state of the connection arrangement 10, the stop 38 is in its active position, in which the latching element 42 can be deformed towards the stop 38, see Figure 25. This can be done with a slight lifting of the contact surface 72 of the second component 14 from the contact section 123 of the Stop carrier 36 go along, see Figure 25. In the shown in Figure 25 Assembled state maximum holding forces can be exerted, which prevent disassembly of the two assemblies 12 and 14.

For disassembly of the two assemblies 12 and 14 with low disassembly forces, the stop 38 and the latching element 42 are spaced further apart relative to one another and viewed along the assembly axis 16, see Figure 26. For this purpose, the latching element carrier 40 and the stop carrier 36 are screwed together by means of the screw thread 46 rotated relative to each other, so that the pitch of the screw thread 46 corresponding to the distance between the locking element 42 and the stop 38 is increased. In this case, the stop support 36 forms a threaded sleeve 125 as part of an actuating device 74. The increase in distance makes it possible for the locking element 42 to be able to deform unhindered from the stop 38 into a disassembly position during the course of disassembly of the two assemblies, with section 58 of the locking element 42 on the insertion head 116 of the connecting piece 20, see Figure 27.

A further connection arrangement 10 shown in FIGS. 28 and 29 has a connection to that described above with reference to FIGS

Connection arrangement 10 largely identical structure. The special feature of the connection arrangement 10 according to FIGS. 28 and 29 is that the contact surface 72 of the second assembly 14 is arranged on the second assembly 14 so that it can move.

For example, the contact surface 72 is formed on a nut 124, which by means of a thread 126 is screwed to the connecting piece 20. By changing the position of contact surface 72 relative to connecting piece 20, it is possible to fix second subassembly 14 relative to first subassembly 12 in such a way that latching element 42 is accommodated without play in latching element receptacle 118 when connection arrangement 10 is assembled and on a Limitation 128 of the latching element receptacle 118 rests, compare Figure 29.

A connection arrangement 10 shown in FIG. 30 has the special feature that the first subassembly 12 is designed as a double clutch 130 and is used to connect two second subassemblies 14, which are each designed as connecting pieces 20. The structure of these connecting pieces 20 corresponds to the connecting pieces 20 described above with reference to FIGS. 21 to 29, it also being possible for the connecting pieces 20 of the connection arrangement 10 according to FIG.

The two connecting pieces 20 can be inserted into the interior space 110 of the first assembly 12 along the mounting axis 16 in directions facing one another along the mounting axis 16 . The first subassembly 12 has a tubular latching element carrier 40, with latching elements 42 arranged at opposite ends, which are denoted by 42a and 42b in FIG. 30. These latching elements 42a and 42b are each associated with a latching element receptacle 118 of one of the two connecting pieces 20 .

The first assembly 12 further includes two stop brackets 36a and 36b with respective stops 38a and 38b. the Stop supports 36a, 36b can be moved relative to the latching element support 40 by means of respective bearing areas 44a, 44b, which have a screw thread 46a, 46b, specifically along the mounting axis 16. The stop supports 36a, 36b each form a threaded sleeve 125a, 125b as a respective part of a actuator 74a, 74b.

The connection arrangement 10 according to FIG Distal ends 34 can connect tubes, hoses or containers.

For the rest, reference is made to the above description of FIGS.

Claims

patent claims

First connection arrangement (10), with a first assembly

(12) and with a second subassembly (14), with an elastically deformable latching element (42) being arranged on the first subassembly (12), which is used for releasably latching the first subassembly (12) and the second subassembly (14) and the deforms into an assembly position during assembly of the two assemblies (12, 14) and forms an undercut after assembly is complete, which counteracts disassembly of the two assemblies (12, 14), characterized in that the first assembly (12) has a stop (38) which can be moved between an active position which supports the maintenance of the undercut of the latching element (42), in which the latching element (42) rests against the stop (38) and/or in which the latching element (42) rests against the stop ( 38) can be deformed, and a dismantling position in which the stop (38) is spaced further from the locking element (42) relative to the active position and in which the locking element (42) can be used for dismantling d he two assemblies (12, 14) can be deformed into a dismantling position.

2. Connection arrangement (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first assembly (12) has a stop support (36) on which the stop

(38) is arranged, and a latching element carrier (40) on which the latching element (42) is arranged, and that the latching element carrier (40) and the stop carrier (36) are connected via a bearing area (44) so that they can be moved relative to one another.

3. Connection arrangement (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that the bearing area (44) has or have a screw thread (46) and/or a linear guide (81).

4. Connection arrangement (10) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the first assembly (12) has a spring (90) which acts on the stop support (36) and/or the latching element support (40) so that the stop ( 38) is pushed into the active position.

5. Connection arrangement (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first assembly (12) has an actuating device (74) with which the stop (38) can be transferred into the dismantling position and can preferably be fixed in the dismantling position.

6. Connection arrangement (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that the actuating device (74) comprises a pressure bolt (76) or threaded bolt (96) and/or a pressure sleeve or threaded sleeve (125).

7. Connection arrangement (10) according to any one of claims 2 to

6, characterized in that the stop support (36) and/or the locking element support (40) has or have at least one handling surface and/or at least one tool engagement surface (60, 62).

8. Connection arrangement (10) according to any one of claims 2 to

7, characterized in that the second assembly (14) has a bearing surface (72) for bearing on the Has stop support (36) or to rest on the latching element carrier (40).

9. Connection arrangement (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that the contact surface (72) is movably arranged on the second assembly (14).

10. Connection arrangement (10) according to one of claims 2 to 9, characterized in that the stop support (36) or the latching element support (40) is arranged on a pipe socket (28) or is provided by a pipe socket (28).

11. Connection arrangement (10) according to any one of the preceding

Claims, characterized in that one of the two assemblies (12, 14) has at least one connecting piece

(20).

12. Connection arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one of the two assemblies (12, 14) has a container (22) with at least one opening (26) for receiving a connecting piece (20) or a coupling (108) having at least one opening (112) for receiving a connecting piece (20).

13. Connection arrangement (10) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the connecting piece (20) has a fluid line (30) which extends in particular along a mounting axis (16) of the connection arrangement (10).

14. Connection arrangement (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first assembly (12) has a counter-holder (48) for bearing on the second assembly (14), and that the counter-holder (48) is movably arranged on the first assembly (12).

15. Connection arrangement (10) according to claim 14, characterized in that the counter-holder (48) has at least one handling surface (66) and/or at least one tool engagement surface (64).

16. Connection arrangement (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stop

(38) in its operative position on a support surface (80) of the first assembly (12) adjacent to the locking element (42) and/or on a section (58) of the locking element (42).

17. Connection arrangement (10) according to any one of the preceding

Claims, characterized in that the locking element (42) during the assembly of the two assemblies (12, 14) starting from an undeformed

resting state of the latching element deformed into the assembly position, that the latching element (42) - in the dismantling position of the stop (38) - can be deformed starting from the undeformed rest state into the disassembled position, and that the assembled position and the disassembled position, based on the undeformed rest state, with mutually oppositely directed deformations of the latching element (42).